A Gentle Slam

Simply unaware....or perhaps I don't care
what others say or do
It's partially true
I'm through

Used to care what they think
of my words, of my ink
not anymore....
So much more is in store
you see...rhymes keep knocking at my door
I write and you explore

I won't be intimidated
slated or hated
my thoughts confiscated
by he said she said judgement calls
and so the mic falls

Applause reverberates
and oh how it sates
this little heart of mine
it sounds almost...divine

approval affixed
on my lines, on the mix
of these thoughts and these scribbles
gone is the dribble
of inconsistent scales
yes, it all pales

for I blossom, yes I strive
here in my poetic tribe
the true and the tried
the ones who remain
the ones who refrain
from unkind jabs
drawing blood, leaving scabs
wounds remain...
sad refrain
Yet, tranquility is my gain

I'm stronger
I've stayed here longer
and I will thrive
"staying alive"
for the select few
people like you
and people like me
who love poetry

Pseudonyms, pseudogames
I've seen them come and go
and this much I know
truth is tenacious
staying power's for the gracious
weathering the storm
an exception, not the norm
this much I can tell you:

rhymes remain resplendid
all the way through time
poetry
will
shine

Eileen Manassian
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018


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Date: 8/9/2023 6:49:00 PM
If it's long and I made it through It's good and this is good. I could fav it but I fav you instead. one thingabout this . It's not you. I can understand someone I've insulted but I haven't found something where rhyming didn't matter. And this would be one or two short sentences.
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Date: 7/28/2018 6:12:00 AM
Eileen, some of us came here as novice poets, and still stand in the shadow of your passionate poetess voice, and learn by example, and can only hope to follow where your " feet" so determinedly go...Those whose identity is grounded in trying to " flatten " you because their self esteem is so low, have no right to be respected. They are the bottom feeders of poetry...way, way, way beneath you.....Your poem gave me so much to ponder. A Big, Gentle, Thank You! (((((HUGS)))))
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Date: 7/16/2018 8:41:00 AM
Interesting thought, a “Gentle Slam”
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Date: 7/10/2018 11:20:00 AM
Such a wonderful slam it is, I really enjoyed reading each and every word of this wonderful poem, good luck and have a really nice day
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Date: 7/2/2018 1:42:00 PM
poets are great survivors. Doctors say. Love Eilina...rajat
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Date: 7/2/2018 9:26:00 AM
Dropping by with a hug.
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Date: 6/30/2018 3:03:00 AM
Great flow as always Eileen. "I'm just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round" Came across you wonderful poem. Cleansing isn't it:)If I have learned anything in this life, it's haters gonna hate.
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Date: 6/29/2018 9:44:00 AM
You said it girl...stick to your guns...and let your poetry shoot and shine...love & light...^WW^
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Eileen Manassian
Date: 6/29/2018 10:21:00 AM
What an awesome comment! Thanks WW. I have done that. It hasn't always been easy, but I've learned to care only about the opinions of people who are dear to me. :) Hugs
Date: 6/29/2018 8:43:00 AM
You make it through every storm, stand behind your words through every wind, and we are all thankful for your will and your writes. hugs
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Eileen Manassian
Date: 6/29/2018 10:22:00 AM
Thanks, Cas. Very sweet of you. I takes some doing, but there are those who make it worth the effort. Good to see you're posting again.
Date: 6/29/2018 8:20:00 AM
You certainly have my approval! Well expressed dear one. Hugs Rick.
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Eileen Manassian
Date: 6/29/2018 10:22:00 AM
:) Thanks, Richard. Your approval means more to me than even you realize. :) Hugs
Date: 6/29/2018 7:19:00 AM
Always stay true to yourself Eileen, no bends or bows. Love always wills out, and you have a lot of that right here...
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Eileen Manassian
Date: 6/29/2018 10:23:00 AM
Thanks, Charlie. I know my tribe. They give me good vibes. :) It's all good. Hugs
Date: 6/29/2018 7:16:00 AM
The most welcome Slam of all dearest, Eileen!
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Eileen Manassian
Date: 6/29/2018 10:24:00 AM
Thanks, dear. I know that you and others have also gone through some negativity here. But...our love for poetry keeps us grounded. Hugs
Date: 6/29/2018 7:06:00 AM
ELEGANT SLAM. <3
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Eileen Manassian
Date: 6/29/2018 10:24:00 AM
Thanks, dear. :) I'm glad you like it. Hugs
Date: 6/29/2018 6:33:00 AM
Be you Eileen. I love your work, who you are, and what you stand for. Wish there were more like you.
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Eileen Manassian
Date: 6/29/2018 2:24:00 PM
Oh! I didn't know that. I'm sorry to hear you've had some problems with your knee. I hope your recovery will be quick. Hugs
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Tim Smith
Date: 6/29/2018 10:46:00 AM
Thanks Eileen, recovering from my second knee surgery. Start rehab next week...so hopefully in two months I'll be back to normal
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Eileen Manassian
Date: 6/29/2018 10:25:00 AM
And I wish there were more like you here, Tim. You are a gentleman and a wonderful poet. :) I admire your work and the beauty of your words. Hope you feel better soon, dear.
Date: 6/29/2018 5:09:00 AM
Eileen, you've always been good at slams; especially if it was about defending your poetry. What fool would even question your velvet voice?? No student should question the seasoned Teacher. You are poetry and you are Soup. You're also loved and respected!
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Eileen Manassian
Date: 6/29/2018 10:27:00 AM
LM...your comment is very kind. Thank you. Some have...some will. I've come to care about those who matter to me because those who don't matter don't care about understanding. :) Thank you for your visit. I do love the term velvet voice. Thank you.
Date: 6/29/2018 1:38:00 AM
wow all power to your pen Eileen!!! My attitude is is they don't like what we write they don't have to comment ... we've both had our mockers. blockers and bullies yet we still stay strong although it is difficult at times:-( Just keep doing what you do best and that is writing fantastic poetry:-) xxx hugs Jan xx
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Eileen Manassian
Date: 6/29/2018 10:29:00 AM
And yet they do. I've learned to stay away, and if someone continuously writes offensive things on my posts, I will take things into my own hands. :) Thanks for the visit, sweetie. You rock and are definitely one whom I consider a true friend.
Date: 6/29/2018 12:06:00 AM
Wow! Eileen, This is a good slam. I'm in awe of your versatility. You can write about anything. I like your style. It was like I was at an open mike night and you were on stage and I was in the audience "saying you go girl". I thoroughly enjoyed this. I am a fan of you and your poetry. Well done:-) Alexis
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Eileen Manassian
Date: 6/29/2018 10:30:00 AM
Awwwww...wouldn't that be great! Listen, check out Drake Estez's latest blog. You can have a chance to read your poetry on his program. It's so much fun. Hugs, dear.
Date: 6/28/2018 10:49:00 PM
Your work is inspiring.. I know it is hard to ignore those that try to trample others, but it's best to give them up to the Lord and try to see good in everyone.. In which I know you do .. a lady with a great big heart with so much love ... Hugs Eve
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Eileen Manassian
Date: 6/28/2018 10:56:00 PM
Awww....thanks, sweetie. I've had my share of knocks in this place, especially with people who fault me on my poetry content. All I can say is...I'm still standing. :) Hugs, dear one.
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